Bobs, Braids & Bed Head Waves: 10 Hair Trends Set To Take 2025 By Storm
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1 year ago
The salon-approved styles to know
As they say: new year, new you. But how about a new haircut? If you’re looking to see out 2024 with a refreshed look, then try one of these buzzy hair trends – which salon professionals predict will be everywhere in 2025.
The Biggest Hair Trends For 2025
Natural textures and relaxed styling will steal the show over the next 12 months, as we gravitate towards the cuts and styles that give us maximum impact with minimal effort. Intrigued? These are the 2025 hair trends to know:
Trends At A Glance
- Butterfly Cut
- Shullet
- Sculpted Shag
- Boy Bob
- Bed Head Waves
- Side Part
- Bold Braids
- Long Pixie Cut
- 60s Styles
- Micro Afros
1. Butterfly Cut
The trend leading the new year is already a salon favourite – and one we can’t waiting to see fluttering around the beauty space. ‘As a stylist, I am constantly inspired by the evolving changes in our industry but one that I am particularly excited about is the butterfly cut,’ says Bruno Marc Giamattei, JOICO Creative Director UK & EMEA and Creative Director of the Marc Antoni Salon Group. ‘This cut features long layers, earning its name as a result of its flattering face-framing shape; the feathered layers are styled inward to create the illusion of butterfly wings.
‘The butterfly cut is a hairstyle that is popular already,’ he adds. ‘And with the hairstyle being a great choice for almost anyone due to its versatility, as variations can be adapted to complement any face shape, it’s expected to gain even more momentum in 2025.’
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2. Shullet
And for those craving something with a little more edge, you’re in luck. ‘A big trend I see for 2025 has to be the shullet, a cross between the shag and the mullet,’ highlights Andy Heasman, International Creative Director at RUSH Hair. ‘Both being big trends throughout 2024, we will see the two come together and evolve into one of the biggest trends of the new year. This look combines natural texture and volume, with disconnected layers and subtle movement. Paired with a heavy fringe, opt for shorter layers throughout the top section, leaving longer length in the back and side sections. It’s the time to be creative and try something new.’
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3. Sculpted Shag
And speaking of shags – expect trends to lean into the cut in 2025, with an emphasis on sculpting. ‘In 2024, the shag was wildly popular, whilst also looking pretty wild itself with the sheer amount of volume and texture which defines this “undone” cut,’ says stylist Jamie Benny, from Benny & Co. ‘However, we predict that 2025 will be the year of the sculpted shag – the more polished older sister of the much loved cut. The sculpted shag embodies the balance between effortless cool and tailored sophistication. It’s a look that feels on-trend yet timeless, appealing to clients who want to feel chic without being overly styled.’
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4. Boy Bob
Think you’d seen the last of the bob? Think again. ‘As we move away from longer waves and subtle softness, shorter styles will return – with the boy bob becoming one of the keys looks of the year,’ predicts Suzie McGill, International Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International. ‘To achieve this look, you want to opt for a one length bob – a blunt cut with a deep side parting is the statement look you want to achieve. Instead of going for sleek and sophisticated, use a professional sea salt spray and create texture throughout the hair. The blunt bob and extreme volume will give you the most incredible look.’
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5. Bed Head Waves
Generally, natural textures and effortless styling are set to be big hair trends for 2025, say our experts. ‘As we approach 2025, effortless hairstyles will be a focus, enabling individuals to achieve beautiful and natural looks with minimal effort and without complicated routines or extensive tools,’ notes Alterna Ambassador Sabrina Dijkman.’With this in mind, “bed head waves” are poised to become a prominent hairstyle trend that emphasises an effortless look.
‘This style is all about embracing a carefree and effortlessly chic aesthetic, focusing on a relaxed vibe rather than overly polished or meticulously crafted looks,’ she continues. ‘It’s about creating waves that embrace the hair’s natural texture while enhancing it with soft, flowing waves that add depth and volume. This approach is refreshing as it celebrates simplicity while embracing natural textures and movement.’
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6. Side Part
Nostalgia is back in fashion – especially in the hair salon. ‘We’ve seen a rise in side parts or side fringes among the younger generation,’ notes Bec Choice, a stylist at Blue Tit Leyton. ‘Early 00s fashion is still being a massive source of inspiration in current trends, and it’s now starting to influence the hair space. But it’s a fresh take. Beabadoobee, for example, has been wearing her fringe in more of a modern side part, which is softer than its predecessor. Even Christina Aguilera has come back with bold side parts that emphasise the root volume.’
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7. Bold Braids
We’re also expecting to see braids step back into the spotlight in 2025. ‘Think bold, intricate braiding techniques that serve as focal points in various styles,’ says Bec. ‘We’ve not seen much of this technique in the last few years, so I think we will see a rise of intricate braiding with updos, and even day to day styling will be making a comeback.’
8. Long Pixie Cut
Like the bob, we’re also expecting a resurgence in pixie cut hairstyles for the new year. Although Tom Warr, Academy and Creative Director at Blue Tit, sees longer renditions of the classic crop taking centre stage. ‘We’re talking about a grown out pixie with a short bob feel to it,’ he explains. ‘It’s undone and effortless, it has a loose texture that’s easy to style in lots of different ways. Musician and model Bec Lauder perfectly shows this look off.’
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9. 60s Styles
Please, please, please… give us more vintage styling in 2025. With pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter taking the world by storm with a head of bouncy blonde curls, we can’t ignore the appeal of these playful throwback styles any longer. ‘We’re stepping back into the delightful vibes of the 60s, embracing those adorable pixie cuts and voluminous hairstyles adorned with soft, face-framing fringes,’ highlights Kamila Pruszek, Manager of Blue Tit Portobello. ‘If you have wavy hair, now is the perfect time to fully embrace those luscious waves. We’re aiming for that cute, plush, and fluffy hair that exudes personality and charm. Texture to make every style pop!’
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10. Micro Afros
And to round off the 2025 hair trends forecast: the mirco afro. ‘The new year will be about embracing individual style and enhancing natural beauty with cuts that prioritise texture and versatility,’ notes Pashcan’el Mitchell, Afro & Textured Hair Specialist at Blue Tit. ‘Structured styles and shapes for modern forms of the afro and curly texture cuts will be big. These trends reflect a broader cultural shift towards valuing natural hair in all its forms, paired with a focus on ease, personalization, and embracing one’s unique texture.’
And one of the key trends in this movement will be ‘shorter cuts, like pixies with textured tops,’ Pashcan’el tells us. ‘They offer volume and slicked fun edges, while keeping natural texture as a highlight of the look.’
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Featured image: AW24 Copenhagen Fashion Week Streetstyle (c) Noor-u-Nisa
